2021 Goldin Elite Closing Jan 30 &31
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2021
An iconic trading card – picturing a New York Yankees legend in his first Topps gum card portrayal – is presented.
The offered relic stands as the flagship of its era's span of contemporary collectibles. It's always a thrill to see a nice 1952 Topps Mantle example (spotting one in an auction catalog typically inspires a momentary flight of "butterflies"), but the significance of this card's cherished design doesn't stop with that acknowledgement. This famous piece – from its issue's challenging, final-series "High Numbers" – is beloved for its image and motif, treasured for its revered subject, and notorious for its perpetually short supply. But even beyond that, a strong case could be made that this, particular card provided the foundation for the hobby's explosive growth in recent years. In a very real way, one could conclude that the incredible modern cards of the present day – boasting physical beauty, projecting infinite variety and creativity, and enjoying upwardly spiraling demand (with price levels to match!) – owe the origins of their enthusiasts' devotion to this single, incredible piece.
From the 1880s through the 1940s, in the days predating organized collecting, the role of trading cards was often a simple, utilitarian one. Small pieces of cardboard lent stiffness to the integrity of tobacco packages, and later enabled single servings of candy and gum to be stored and displayed in secure, neatly stack-able shapes. Gradually, more and more cards' surfaces gained advertising, pictures and text, provoking interest and reinforcing brand loyalty. (Clearly, cards have come a long way since this type of thinking prevailed!) A major turning point in the items' evolution came in 1952, with the emergence of relatively huge gum-with-card packages from Topps labeled "Giant Size Picture Cards." One of those pieces, of course, was the entry devoted to the incomparable Mickey Mantle. The aesthetic grandeur of those cards overwhelmed the appeal of the gum, reversing a consumer's usual priorities. Soon, the taste of gum was sidelined as a meaningful consideration: Topps and Bowman were vying for superiority in the styling of their cards. The hobby's formation accelerated during this period, and 1952 Topps #311 remained at the forefront. During the mid- to late-1970s, Mantle's 1952 Topps became the first "modern" gum card to routinely command more than $1,000 when sold – a sum deemed preposterous at the time by most observers. Mickey Mantle's Rookie Card galvanized the adoption of new concepts in collecting (and investing). This card indeed led the way and, from numerous perspectives – including the all-important emotional one – it remains the industry's leader. The '52 Topps Mantle has continued to stand as a proud symbol of ever-increasing demand for the hobby's most coveted items.
Graded EX 5 by PSA. Hall of Famer, in his Topps Rookie Card depiction. This Mantle rookie presents delectably, with a bright image (which reflects mere trace levels of past circulation) and a fresh, wholesome aura. The player illustration is extremely well-centered for the issue, and moderate, uniformly balanced attrition at the corners brings about negligible detriment to the card's fully satisfying character. (Importantly, these nominal "faults" will likely serve to enhance the beautiful item's affordability.) A very special representation of one of the industry's most avidly sought-after pieces, in gratifying Excellent condition.